Still no further charges over Eddie Friel’s death in Killybegs, with bail granted
Having been refused bail in the district court, assault-accused James Spendley was granted bail in the High Court but has not yet taken it up
There is still no clarity on whether further charges will be brought against a man charged with assault causing serious harm following the death of Eddie Friel in Killybegs, the court heard.
Mr Friel was found dead in his home at Harbour View Drive in Killybegs, County Donegal on Sunday, April 13. It is believed that he suffered a violent death.
James Spendley, 57, of St Cummin's Hill, Killybegs was arrested by Detective Garda Niall Brady in the early hours of Monday, April 14 and has been in custody since then. To date, Spendley is charged with assault causing serious harm to Mr Friel. He denies the charge. The offence is contrary to Section 4 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997.
It was indicated to the court from the outset that there may be further charges.
Spendley appeared before Judge Sandra Murphy at Sligo District Court on Thursday, July 10.
Judge Murphy noted that he had been granted bail in the High Court, but had not taken it up and therefore remained in custody in Castlerea Prison.
Having been refused bail in Sligo District Court in May, an application was subsequently lodged with the High Court. This led to Spendley being granted bail on June 4 under the following conditions: his own bond of €500; surety of €5,000; reside at acceptable residence not Killybegs or Donegal Town; sign on daily at local garda station; provide a mobile phone number; observe curfew from 10pm to 7am; An Garda Siochana can contact his GP regarding bail; comply with all medical directions; An Garda Siochana can inform his doctor if he fails to comply with medical regime, and they can contact An Garda Siochana to inform them; stay away from Killybegs save for medical appointments.
At Thursday’s court sitting, solicitor Gerry McGovern confirmed that his client had not yet taken up bail.
Sergeant Derek Butler told the court that a decision from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on further charges has not yet been received.
“I have spoken to the local team and they are awaiting for the DPP decision to be forwarded,” he said.
Judge Murphy remanded the defendant in custody with consent to bail to appear before Sligo District Court on July 31, stressing that if he took up bail, he still needed to come to court.
The judge queried why bail had not been taken up.
Mr McGovern replied: “He needs a place to live.”